Led light fixture

ABSTRACT

An LED light fixture includes one or more optical transceivers that have a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and one or more photodetectors attached thereto, and a processor in communication with the light emitting diodes and the one or more photodetectors. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication or data transfer signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/022589, filed Sep. 16, 2020, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,201,672 onDec. 14, 2021, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.16/291200, filed Mar. 4, 2019, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,812,186 onOct. 20, 2020, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.16/149729, filed Oct. 2, 2018, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,250,329 onApr. 2, 2019, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/283979,filed Oct. 3, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,090,925, issued Oct. 2, 2018,which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/817411, filed Aug. 4,2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,461,748, issued Oct. 4, 2016, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 14/207955, filed Mar. 13, 2014, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,100,124, issued Aug. 4, 2015, which claims the benefitof provisional patent application no. 61/778672, filed Mar. 13, 2013.This application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.13/427358, filed Mar. 22, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,744,267, issued Jun.3, 2014, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/126342,filed May 23, 2008, now abandoned, which claims priority to provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/931,611, filed May 24, 2007, thedisclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Thisapplication also claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationno. 61/867731, filed Aug. 20, 2013, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference. This application also claims thebenefit of provisional patent application no. 61/927663, filed Jan. 15,2014, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein byreference. This application also claims the benefit of provisionalpatent application no. 61/927638, filed Jan. 15, 2014, the disclosure ofwhich is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention is generally directed tolight emitting diodes (LEDs) and applications thereof. In particular,some embodiments of the present invention are directed to using LEDs andpower line communication technology to provide interne access andcommunication capability to residential and commercial clientele.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Radiofrequency transmissions may be easily intercepted, in part becauseof the fact that RF signals are designed to radiate signals in alldirections. Radiofrequency transmissions are also regulated by theFederal Communications Commission (FCC) which controls the frequenciesthat may be used by individuals. Radiofrequency transmissions are alsosusceptible to interference and produce noise.

In contrast to RF communications, light sources used for communicationare extremely secure due to the fact that they are focused within anarrow beam, requiring placement of equipment within the beam itself forinterception. Also, because the visible spectrum is not regulated by theFCC, light sources can be used for communications purposes without theneed of a license. Light sources are also not susceptible tointerference nor do they produce noise that can interfere with otherdevices.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as light sources for datatransmission, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,879,263 and 7,046,160,the entire contents of each being expressly incorporated herein byreference. LEDs have a quick response to “ON” and “OFF” signals, ascompared to the longer warm-up and response times associated withfluorescent lighting, for example. LEDs are also efficient in producinglight, as measured in lumens per watt. LED technology provides apractical opportunity to combine lighting and communication. Thiscombination of lighting and communication allows ubiquitous lightsources such as street lights, home lighting, and office buildinglighting, for example, to be converted to, or supplemented with, LEDtechnology to provide for communications while simultaneously producinglight for illumination purposes.

Regarding office buildings, building management is a complex sciencewhich incorporates and governs all facets of human, mechanical andstructural systems associated with buildings. As a result of thecomplexity, most commercial buildings are managed by commercial propertymanagement companies with great expertise. Both at the time ofconstruction and throughout the life-cycle of a building, theinterrelationships between people and the mechanical and structuralsystems are most desirably evaluated.

Building management includes diverse facets, some which are simplyrepresentations of the building and associated systems and people, andother facets which are tangible. Exemplary of representations areaccounting or financial monitoring responsibilities which will includingrecord keeping control and assurance of financial transactions involvingtenants, owners, and service providers. Exemplary of the physical ortangible responsibilities are physical development and maintenance,including identification of need for features, improvements, maintenanceand the assurance of the execution of the same.

One very important area associated with building management is lightingor illumination. While often perceived as a simple task of providinglights, this seemingly simple task has much research and science behinda well-designed lighting system. This is because safety, productivityand general well-being of occupants depend heavily on proper lighting.

Many factors need considered at the time of construction or remodelingto facilitate proper lighting design. Intended usage of a space isimportant in illumination design consideration, since this will dictatenecessary illumination levels, times and duration of use, andanticipated cycling of the illumination.

Nearly all public buildings rely on a great many lamps positionedthroughout the interior of the building, such as along hall corridorsand in each room, and also about the exterior. These lights havehistorically been activated manually. Architects are commonly employedto assist not only with a floor plan of physical spaces, but also withthe proper selection and layout of lighting to best complement the floorplan and usage of each space within a building. As may be appreciated,illumination of a space is determined at the time of production ofblueprints, in anticipation of construction. The illumination that hasbeen chosen for a space is essentially fixed during buildingconstruction.

Another very important consideration associated with building managementis energy management. The concern for energy management is driven by theexpense associated with energy consumed over the life of a building.Energy management is quite challenging to design into a building,because many human variables come into play within different areaswithin a building structure. For example, one occupant may require fullillumination for that occupant to operate efficiently or safely within aspace, while a second occupant might only require a small amount orlocal area of illumination. Further complicating the matter of energymanagement is the fact that many commercial establishments may haverates based upon peak usage. A business with a large number of lightsthat are controlled with a common switch may have peak demands largerelative to total consumption of power, simply due to the relativelylarge amount of power that will rush in to the circuit. Additionally,during momentary or short-term power outages, the start-up of electricaldevices by the power company is known to cause many problems, sometimesharming either customer equipment or power company devices. Control overinrush current is therefore very desirable, and not economically viablein the prior art.

The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitutean admission that any patent, publication or other information referredto herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition,this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been madeor that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. § 1.56(a)exists.

All U.S. patents and applications and all other published documentsmentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention, a brief summary of some ofthe claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additionaldetails of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additionalembodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description ofthe Invention below.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification isprovided for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a light emitting diode(LED) light and systematic information transfer through encrypted pulsedlight communication system which may be depicted in several embodiments.In general, the LED light and pulsed light communication system orvisible light embedded communication system (VLEC) may be formed of asingle row, single source, or an array of light emitting diode lightsources configured on a light support and in electrical communicationwith a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electricalsource.

The LED light and VLEC system may provide various light signals, coloredlight signals, or combination or patterns of light signals for use inassociation with the communication of information. These light signalsmay also be encoded. The LED light and VLEC system may be electricallycoupled to a controller used to modulate, pulse, or encode, the lightgenerated from the light sources to provide for illumination and totransmit messages.

Individual light supports/fixtures as a portion of the communicationsystem may be positioned adjacent to, and/or be in electricalcommunication with another light support/fixture, through the use ofsuitable electrical connections. Alternatively, individual lightsupports/fixtures may be in communication with each other exclusivelythrough the transmission and receipt of pulsed light signals.

A plurality of light supports or solitary light sources may beelectrically coupled in either a parallel or series manner to acontroller which in some embodiments may be referred to as a Charlieunit. The controller is also preferably in electrical communication withthe power supply and the LED's, to regulate or modulate the lightintensity for the LED light sources. The individual LED's and/or arraysof LED's may be used for transmission of communication packets formed oflight signals. The controller for the LED light support may generateand/or recognize pulsed light signals used to communicate information.The LED light VLEC system may also include a receptor which may be aphotodetector or photodiode coupled to the controller, where thereceptor is constructed and arranged for receipt of pulsed LED lightsignals for conversion to digital information, and for transfer of thedigital information to the controller for analysis and interpretation.The controller may then issue a light signal or other communicationsignal to an individual to communicate the content of receivedinformation transmitted via a pulsed LED light VLEC system.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, itsadvantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be madeto the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and describedembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the Communication System.

FIG. 2A is an environmental view of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System.

FIG. 2B is a detailed view of a name tag in an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2C is a detailed view of an LED light source in any exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System.

FIG. 6 is an environmental view of an alternative embodiment of theCommunication System.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LEDCommunication System, depicting light sources in communication with abroadband over power line service.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LEDCommunication System, depicting an energy management scheme.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LEDCommunication System, depicting an energy management scheme.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the LEDCommunication System, depicting an energy management scheme.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial representation of an alternative embodiment ofthe LED Communication System, depicting an exemplary security screeningprocess.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a data packet.

FIG. 13 is a front environmental view of one alternative embodiment ofan LED light fixture.

FIG. 14 is a rear environmental view of one alternative embodiment ofthe LED light fixture depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front environmental view of one alternative embodiment ofan LED light fixture.

FIG. 16 is a side environmental view of one alternative embodiment of anLED light fixture.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of one alternative embodiment of an LEDlight fixture.

FIG. 18 is a detail isometric view of one alternative embodiment of anLED light unit.

FIG. 19 is a detail isometric view of one alternative embodiment of apower distribution interconnect device.

FIG. 20 is an alternative isometric view of one embodiment of a circuitboard as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 21 is an alternative exploded view of one embodiment of atransmitter/receiver of an LED light fixture.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of one alternative embodiment of atransmitter/receiver of an LED light fixture.

FIG. 23 is a detail partial cut away isometric view of one alternativeembodiment of an outer lens retainer assembly.

FIG. 24 is a detail partial cut away isometric view of one alternativeembodiment of an inner lens retainer assembly.

FIG. 25 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of thebottom layer of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 26 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a drill drawing forone layer of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 27 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of a groundplane layer of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 28 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of a powerplane layer of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 29 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of asoldermask bottom of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 30 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of asoldermask top of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 31 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of a pastebottom of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 32 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of a pastetop of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 33 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of asilkscreen bottom of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 34 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of asilkscreen top of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 35 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of the toplayer of a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 36 is an alternative view of one embodiment of a layout of a layerof a circuit board as used in an LED light fixture.

FIG. 37 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED light fixture.

FIG. 38 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED light fixture.

FIG. 39 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED light fixture.

FIG. 40 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED light fixture.

FIG. 41 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED light fixture.

FIG. 42 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED light fixture.

FIG. 43 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED light fixture.

FIG. 44 is a partial electrical schematic of one alternative embodimentof an LED light fixture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there aredescribed in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of theinvention. This description is an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments illustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in thefigures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

In each of the embodiments discussed below, the LEDs may be formed ofthe same or different colors. The controller may be configured to selectthe color of the LEDs to be illuminated forming the observed light.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment 110 of an LED light VLEC system.FIG. 1 shows a server PC 112 connected via a USB cable 114 to a serveroptical transceiver (XCVR) 116, and a client PC 118 is connected via aUSB cable 120 to a client optical transceiver 122. The server PC 112 isin communication with a network 123 via a CAT-5 cable, for example. Theserver optical XCVR and the client optical XCVR are substantiallysimilar in at least one embodiment. An exemplary optical XCVR (or,simply, “XCVR”) circuit includes one or more LEDs 124 for transmissionof light and one or more photodetectors 126 for receiving transmittedlight. The term “photodetector” includes “photodiodes” and all otherdevices capable of converting light into current or voltage. The termsphotodetector and photodiode are used interchangeably hereafter. The useof the term photodiode is not intended to restrict embodiments of theinvention from using alternative photodetectors that are notspecifically mentioned herein.

In at least one embodiment, the XCVR circuit may include an RS232 to USBconversion module. The transmit pin on the USB conversion module drivesthe driver electronics for the LEDs 124. In some embodiments, the XCVRcircuit includes high intensity LEDs. In some embodiments it may bedesirable to use high intensity LEDs to enhance lighting, to improvedata transmission, or both. In at least one embodiment, a 12 volt DC, 3amp power supply is sufficient for powering an array of high intensityLEDs 124.

In some embodiments, the XCVR circuit further includes an amplifier foramplifying the optical signal received by the photodiode. The output ofthe amplifier may be fed into level shifting circuitry to raise thesignal to TTL levels, for example. The signal is then fed into thereceive pin of the RS232 to USB module.

In some embodiments, a 9V battery can be used to power the amplifiercircuitry. Significant noise is generated by switching high brightnessLEDs on and off at 200 mA and 500 kbps, for example. Powering theamplifier with a battery can reduce these noise problems by reducing orremoving transients.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the LED can both emit andreceive light. In such an embodiment, the LED can act both as atransmitter or receiver. More information on such bi-directional LEDscan be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,072,587, the entire contents of whichare expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In at least one embodiment, the optical XCVRs, or circuitry attachedthereto, include modulation circuitry for modulating a carrier signalwith the optical signal. Modulation can be used to eliminate biasconditions caused by sunlight or other interfering light sources.Digital modulation can be accomplished by using phase-shift keying,amplitude-shift keying, frequency-shift keying, quadrature modulation,or any other digital modulation technique known by those of ordinaryskill. Similarly, such XCVRs can include demodulation circuitry thatextracts the data from the received signal. Modulation and demodulationtechniques for modulating light signals are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,732,310, 5,245,681, and 6,137,613, the entire contents of each beingexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

It may be desirable in some embodiments to further include filters orfilter circuitry to prevent unwanted light from being amplified. Forexample, the optical baseband signal can be modulated at 100 kHz andthen transmitted. The XCVR that receives the 100 kHz modulated signalcan include a filter stage centered at 100 kHz. The filtered 100 kHzsignal can then be input into the amplifier circuitry, therebypreventing amplification of unwanted signals. In some embodiments, itcan be desirable to amplify the transmitted signal first, and thenfilter out the baseband signal.

Additional information regarding data communication can be found inInternational Publication Number WO 99/49435, the entire contents ofwhich are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In another embodiment of the present invention, security badges, IDbadges, communications badge, badge, or name tags, these terms beingused interchangeably hereafter, can include optical XCVRs, as shown inFIG. 2A. The optical XCVR of a user's security badge 170 communicateswith the optical XCVRs that are also acting as room lighting, halllighting, or other lighting 161 in a customer's facility, as shown inFIG. 2A. Of course, the optical XCVRs can be placed in numerous otherlocations as lighting sources. Using the XCVRs as light sources canreduce energy consumption and simplify communications by reducing thefiltering or modulation complexities necessary to distinguish datasignals from extraneous lighting sources. As shown in FIG. 2A, a user isshown with a name tag 170 that is broadcasting and receiving data overan optical link 156 using the XCVR described in FIG. 2A to a ceilingmounted fixture. Badge 170 is pinned to, affixed with or otherwisetransported by a person, in the embodiment as illustrated as areplacement for standard security identification badges.

Badge 170 is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 2B, and may includefeatures commonly found in standard security identification badges,including but not limited to such attributes as a photograph 1100 of theperson assigned to the badge, and indicia such as employeeidentification or number 1200, name 1220, and business or entity logos1240. Business or entity logos 1240, or other components may integrateanti-counterfeiting technology as may be available or known for suchdiverse applications as passports, driver's licenses, currency and otherapplications. Commonly used devices include holograms, watermarks,special materials or unique threads, and embedded non-alterableelectronic, visible, sonic or other identification codes. An opticaltransmitter 1300 and receiver 1320 are most preferably provided andenable communication over optical communications channel 156. Amicrophone, loudspeaker, microphone and speaker combination, ordual-purpose device 1400 may be provided to integrate an auditorycommunication channel between communication badge 170 and nearby livingbeings or other animate or inanimate objects. A video camera 1420 may beincorporated to capture video or still pictures. A video display 1500may additionally be incorporated into communication badge 170,permitting information 1520 to be displayed thereon, which could forexemplary purposes could comprise either text or graphics.

In some embodiments, indicia such as employee identification or number1200, name 1220, and business or entity logos 1240 may also be providedeither as illustrated in FIG. 2B, or in another embodiment solely uponvideo display 1500.

In some embodiments, biometric detectors and systems may be employedwithin or in association with communication badge 170. For exemplarypurposes, but not limited solely thereto, a fingerprint reader or otherbiometric detector may be incorporated within badge 170.

Communication badge 170 communicates with XCVR in LED light source 161.LED light source 161, illustrated by magnified view in FIG. 2C as a body2050 that incorporates at least one, and preferably a plurality of LEDsand optical detectors. One or more photodetectors 2200 may be provided,and may either be broad spectrum detectors or alternativelycolor-filtered or sensitive to only a single color. The detector will beany of the myriad known in the art, the particular selection which willbe determined by well-known considerations such as sensitivity,reliability, availability, cost and the like.

As illustrated, LEDs may be in clusters of three. In accord with thepresent invention, these LEDs are RGB LEDs, designating that theyinclude red, blue and green which are the primary additive colors fromwhich all other colors including white may be produced. LEDs 2100-2140may be discrete components, or may alternatively be integrated onto acommon die and take the physical form of a single LED. Furthermore, morethan one RGB LED may be integrated upon a single die or within a commonpackage, as may be deemed most appropriate by a manufacturer. Aplurality of RGB LEDs may also be provided upon or within a single body2050, as illustrated in FIG. 2C by RGB LEDs 2100′, 2120′ and 2140′. Inpractice, there is no limit to the number of RGB LEDs that may be used,other than physical size and available space limitations, and thermaldissipation capacity and power requirement constraints.

By controlling the relative power applied to each one of the RGB LEDs2100-2140, different colors may be produced.

Through the use of RGB LEDs, color temperature of an LED light panel2000 may be adjusted or controlled, and may be varied in real timewithout making any hardware or apparatus changes. Instead, power appliedto the RGB LEDs is adjusted to favor one or another of the RGB LEDs2100-2140. Since the light emitted from the RGB LEDs is approximatelyfull-spectrum light, the color-rendering index may also be relativelyhigh, particularly when compared to mercury or sodium vapor lamps,making the light feel very natural.

For the purposes of the present invention, where an opticalcommunications channel 156 is created between XCVR and one or morecommunications badges 170, higher data transfer rates may be obtainedwith more rapid control of illumination levels. Consequently, ifphosphors are used in the generation of light from LED light source 161,and if faster data exchange rates through optical communications channel156 are desired, these phosphors will preferably be very fast lightingand extinguishing.

A variety of physical and electrical configurations are contemplatedherein for LED light source 161. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, light source161 may replace a standard fluorescent tube light fixture. This can beaccomplished by replacing the entire fixture such that ballasts andother devices specific to fluorescent lighting are replaced. In manycases, this will be the preferred approach. The fixture may then bewired for any suitable or desired voltage, and where a voltage orcurrent different from standard line voltage is used, transformers,power converters or power supplies may be provided. When a building iseither initially being constructed, or so thoroughly remodeled toprovide adequate replacement of wires, the voltage may be generated intransformers that may even be provided outside of the occupied space,such as on the roof, in a utility room, basement or attic. In additionto other benefits, placement in these locations will further reducerequirements for air conditioning.

As efficiencies of light generation by LEDs are now beginning to surpassfluorescent tubes, such entire replacement is more economical. However,total replacement of such fixtures is not the only means contemplatedherein. Any lesser degree of replacement is also considered inalternative embodiments. For exemplary purposes, the physical reflectorscommonly associated with fluorescent fixtures may be preserved, and thefixture simply rewired to bypass any ballasts or starter circuitry thatmight be present. In this case, line voltage, such as 120VAC at 60 Hertzin the United States, may pass through the electrical connector pins.LED base 2050, in such case, may be designed to insert directly into astandard fluorescent socket, such as, for exemplary purposes only andnot limited thereto, the standard T8 and T12 sockets used in the UnitedStates. In such case, either RGB LEDs 2100-2140 are arranged and wiredto directly operate from line voltage, or appropriate electronics willneed to be provided directly in LED base 2050 to provide necessary powerconversion. In yet another conceived alternative embodiment, powerconversion may be provided through switching-type or other powerconversion circuitry to alleviate the need for any rewiring, though inthese instances the power conversion circuitry will need to accommodatethe particular type of ballast already in place.

Where other types of fixtures already exist, such as standardincandescent Edison screw bases, LED bulbs may similarly accommodate thefixture. For incandescent replacement, no rewiring or removal ofballasts is required, since line voltage is applied directly toincandescent fixtures. Consequently, appropriate conversion may in oneconceived alternative embodiment simply involve the replacement of abulb with no fixture or wiring alterations.

For LED light source 161 to replace an existing bulb, regardless oftype, and benefit from the many features enabled in the preferredembodiment, communications circuitry must also be provided. Thiscommunications circuitry is necessary to properly illuminate each of thered, green and blue LEDs to desired color, to transport data throughoptical communication channel 156.

In accord with a preferred method of the invention, LEDs are used totransmit through optical communication channel several kinds of data,including identity, location, audio and video information. The use of anoptical communications link provides large available bandwidth, which inturn permits multiple feeds of personal communication between LED lightsources and electronic devices similar to or in excess of that of cellphones. The optical data is transferred at rates far in excess of thosedetectable by the human eye, and so a person is not able to detect anyvisible changes in illumination as the data is being transferred.Additionally, because optical illumination is constrained by opaqueobjects such as walls, the location of a VLEC/XCVR device and associatedperson can be discerned to a particular room, hallway or other similarspace.

In contrast, prior art GPS systems and cell phone triangulationtechniques are typically only accurate to one or several hundred feet.Horizontally, this prior art precision is adequate for manyapplications. However, vertically several hundred feet could encompasstwenty floors in an office or apartment building. The preferredembodiment, capable of precision to a room or light fixture, thereforehas much more exact pinpointing than hitherto available. It can locate aperson immediately, even in a large area and/or among a large crowd, andcan keep track of a large population simultaneously. As noted, the largebandwidth permits video signals to be integrated with VLEC/XCVR locationand movement, providing the opportunity to create audio-video recordsthat are fixed in time and location.

Since location may be relatively precisely discerned, opticaltransmitter 1300 or LEDs 2100-2140 of FIG. 2B may in one embodiment beconfigured to change color, flash, or otherwise be visually changed ormanipulated to assist with directional guidance, personnel or intruderidentification, energy management, or to facilitate the meeting andconnection of individuals. To achieve these objectives, a building needsto be wired only for lights, saving a significant expense oninfrastructure of other wires and fixtures.

Some embodiments of the name tag 170 XCVR include any or all of thefollowing devices: a microphone 172, a speaker 174, a rechargeablebattery 176, and a video camera 178, as shown in the simplified blockdiagram of FIG. 3. In at least one embodiment, the microphone 172 is incommunication with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (not shown) forconverting the analog speech input to a digital signal. An amplifiercircuit 180 can be used to boost the microphone signal. The signal canbe amplified prior to or after the ADC. In some embodiments, the speakeris communication with a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)(not shown) forconverting the received digital signal to an analog output. An amplifiercircuit 182 can be used to boost the speaker signal. The signal can beamplified prior to or after the DAC. The processor 184 shown in FIG. 3converts the digital signals from the microphone/amplifier to datapackets that can be used for transmission by the optical XCVR.Similarly, the processor converts the data packets received by theoptical XCVR to audio out signals directed to the speaker. The processor184 can convert data packets received from or directed to the videocamera.

In such an embodiment, the user can use the name tag 170 as acommunication device. Alternatively, the user may use the name tag 170to stream music, or video if a display is included. Furthermore, theoptical XCVR can also include non-volatile memory (FLASHRAM, EEPROM, andEPROM, for example) that can store firmware for the optical XCVR, aswell as text information, audio signals, video signals, contactinformation for other users, etc., as is common with current cellphones. While a hard-drive may be used instead of thesesemiconductor-based memory devices, hard-drives may be impractical insome embodiments based on their size, access times, as well as theirsusceptibility to jarring.

The optical XCVR includes one or more photodetectors 126 for receivingtransmitted LED or other light signals, and one or more LEDs 124 fortransmitting LED signals, as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, anoptical signal amplifier 186 is in communication with the photodetectors126 to increase the signal strength of the received light signals. In atleast one embodiment, the LEDs are in operative communication with anLED power driver 188, ensuring a constant current source for the LEDs.

In some embodiments, the name tag 170 or VLEC/XCVR system or device mayinclude circuitry that performs modulation, demodulation, datacompression, data decompression, up converting, down converting, coding,interleaving, pulse shaping, and other communication and signalprocessing techniques, as are known by those of ordinary skill in theart.

In at least one embodiment, the name tag 170 or VLEC/XCVR device orfixture is embedded with a unique code, similar in principle to the MACaddress of a computer, for example. Thus, every name tag 170 VLEC/XCVRor fixture device has a unique identifier. The name tag 170 or VLEC/XCVRdevice or fixture broadcasts the unique code at regular intervals, orirregular intervals if desired. Optical XCVRs located within the user'sbuilding and near the user can then receive the unique code transmittedby the name tag 170 or VLEC/XCVR device or fixture.

There are numerous applications of such a design. For example, in someembodiments, an optical XCVR is engaged to a door lock. When a user witha name tag 170 approaches a locked door, the name tag 170 broadcasts theunique code, and an optical XCVR in communication with the door lockreceives the code, and if acceptable, unlocks or opens the door. A tableof acceptable codes may be stored in a memory device that is incommunication with, and accessible by, the door's optical XCVR.Alternatively, the door's optical XCVR may transmit a code to a centralstation which compares the user's code against a table of approved codesand then sends a response either allowing or denying access.

As seen in FIG. 4, the electrical wiring in the hallways and/or roomsmay include Broadband Over Power Line BOPL. As such, the name tag 170 orVLEC/XCVR device or fixture may be used to provide access to theInternet via the optical XCVRs in the hallways and rooms. A personwalking down the hallway may receive a phone call on their name tag 170or through a VLEC/XCVR device or fixture from a person on the other sideof the world as long as the other person was using the Internet tocommunicate and knew the unique code of the name tag 170 or through aVLEC/XCVR device or fixture. Such communication is possible because theInternet is based upon transmission of packetized data, a form ideallysuited for use with an optical XCVR.

FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified block schematic diagram of an electricalcircuit used to couple power and data to one or a plurality of LED lightsources 161. Power, which may be either AC or DC current is coupledthrough a power line bridge 150 with data from a network cable input,for example. The source of the data is not critical to the operation ofthe present invention, but may include various computer outputs such asmight, for exemplary purposes, include control processor output ornetwork connections such as commonly found on Local Area Networks (LAN),Wide Area Networks (WAN) or through the Internet. In accord with oneembodiment, the wiring between power line bridge 150 and LED lightsource 161 is shielded by passing through a conduit or the like,defining a Shielded Broadband-over-Power-Line (S-BPL) connection that isboth resistant to interfering communications and also produces almost noradiant energy.

In at least one embodiment, the name tag 170 or VLEC/XCVR device orfixture may be used in conjunction with the LED lighting in hallways,rooms, etc. to reduce energy consumption, as shown in FIG. 5. Forexample, all the lights in a hallway may have a standby setting suchthat they are relatively dim or even off. As a person with a name tag170 proceeds down a hallway, the lights in front of the person turn onin response to a transmitted signal (e.g. the unique code of the nametag). As the person moves beyond a light, the light returns to itsstandby setting of dim/off brightness through a signal communicated froma XCVR at a sufficiently remote location to indicate that the individualhas passed, and is no longer present at this particular location. Thepresence of an individual proximate to an XCVR may be determined byeither recognition of a signal or through the failure to continue torecognize a signal, or by a proximity calculation as based on acontroller receiving a signal from a remote location which indicatesrecognition of a name tag 170. A proximity is then calculated whereinitial or previous XCVR light sources are extinguished as an individualpasses a particular location. In other embodiments, the lights cangradually become brighter, as a percentage of full brightness, as aperson approaches, and then gradually dim, as a percentage of fullbrightness, as a person moves away based on proximity calculation asearlier described.

The lights shown in FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, will have AC wiring with data carriers such as S-BPL, andstatic locations encoded into the system. Thus a person 190 entering ahallway 192 with a communications badge 170 could use only those lightsneeded for his travel. As the person 190 progresses toward adestination, the lights behind may be no longer needed and so may beprogrammed to turn off These lights could function variably from 10 to100% as needed, for example. As shown in FIG. 5, the person 190 isapproximately adjacent to light 505 and traveling in the direction shownby arrow 15 towards light 506. From this position, person 190 mightprefer to be able to see into the branching corridor containing lights509-511. With appropriate central computer control and programming whichwill be readily understood and achieved by those skilled in the computerarts, the illumination of these neighboring lights can be increased, toprovide sufficient illumination to ensure the safety of person 190.Since different persons will have different desires regarding the extentof adjacent illumination, an embodiment of the present invention mayincorporate custom programming of such features by individual person190, or within standard preset selections, such as “cautious” where arelatively large number of lights are illuminated adjacent to person190, or “carefree,” where only a minimum number of lights areilluminated. Again, the level of illumination may additionally vary withrelation to the person, the geometry of the building space, in accordwith personal preferences, or for other reasons.

When person 190 has traveled farther, lights 509-511 may beextinguished, in effect providing a moving “bubble” of illuminationsurrounding person. Other lights are automatically shut-off or dimmed asdesired and controlled by program. As FIG. 5 illustrates, lights withinroom 20 may similarly be activated and controlled, so for exemplarypurposes as illustrated, light 531 may be at full intensity, lights521-530 may be extinguished completely, and light 520 may be operatingin a greatly dimmed state, but still providing adequate lighting to easeperson 190.

The present invention reduces the extent of human interaction requiredto control various functions such as light switches and thermostats,while simultaneously increasing the capabilities of such controls.Individual or selected groups of lights may be selectively configuredfor optimal physiological and psychological effects and benefits for oneor more applications, and then may be readily reconfigured withoutchanges to physical structures for diverse applications having differentrequirements for optimal physiological and/or psychological effects andbenefits.

Energy management is not solely limited to total power consumption. Peakinrush current is also an important factor monitored by many utilitycompanies. This is the peak power draw of the power customer, forexemplary purposes within each twenty-four hour period. By controllingthe timing of illumination and other equipment start-up, electrical drawmay be gradually ramped up. Many devices initially draw more power atstart-up than when operational. So, since each light is individuallyaddressed and controlled and appliances or machines may similarly becontrolled, the communications afforded by the present invention permitmuch smaller banks of devices to be started, allowing those devices tosurge and then settle to lower energy requirements before starting thenext bank of devices. Some devices and machines very quickly drop downto lower power draw. LED light sources are such a device. Banks of thesemay very quickly and sequentially be started. Other devices, such aselectrical compressors found in heat pumps, refrigeration and airconditioning units, may require much more time for start-up, beforeadditional devices should be started. Likewise, the particular order ofstart-up may be optimized for the various electrical loads found withina building. All of this is readily accomplished through simpleprogramming and communication through preferred LED light sources orequivalents thereto.

Such embodiments are an improvement over conventional motion detectors,due to the “smart” nature of the optical XCVRs. Rather than waiting fora time delay as is the case with motion detectors, the optical XCVRs(and in some embodiments the optical XCVRs in conjunction with software)in the lighting fixture recognize immediately that the person has movedbeyond a particular light, allowing that particular light to be dimmedor turned off. Also, this smart technology may be used to turn lights ononly for people with the correct code embedded in their name tag 170. Insuch an embodiment, the user can walk into a restricted area, and if notauthorized to be there, the lights would remain off, and if authorizedthe lights would turn on. Alternatively, a teacher with a name tag 170grading papers in a classroom, for example, may use the name tag 170 toturn only the lighting near the teacher's desk at full brightness, whileother lighting in the room remains at a dimmer, more energy efficient,setting.

In other embodiments of the invention, numbers of occupants within aspace may be used not only for anticipating illumination, but also tocontrol operation of other appliances and machinery within the building.Exemplary of this, but not limited thereto, are water and space heatersand coolers, and all other electrical or electrically controllabledevices.

In some embodiments, the name tag 170 or VLEC/XCVR device or fixture maybe used to assist emergency personnel. For example, if a person with aname tag 170 had an incapacitating emergency condition while walkingalong a hallway in a building with optical XCVRs the hallway lightingcan be modified to direct emergency workers directly to the injuredperson. The lights can be made to flash, change color, or formdirectional arrows, or sequential directional indicators, or otherwisesignify to the emergency personnel the quickest path to the person.

In some embodiments, a custom guidance system can include red, white orother suitably colored or illuminated lights which may be steady orflashing for emergency situations. Corridor lights and/or individualcommunication badges may be equipped to flash, directing emergencypersonnel to a desired location or person.

In a further embodiment of the invention, communication badge 170 maycommunicate with prior art screening equipment, such a metal detectors,x-ray machines, drug and explosives sniffers, and other such hardware. Abuilding employing the present invention may incorporate multiple safetyfeatures. Instead of relying on several security guards at severalstations to read badges and monitor each station, a proximity detectormay first detect whether a person is passing through the entrance. Ifso, the adjacent LED light source will query for an appropriate orlegitimate communications badge. Even if detected, if a badge has beenduplicated, preferred logging and verification through software willinstantly identify that the first person is already in the building.Consequently, the presently entering person and person already in thebuilding can both be located, and the intruder identified. As discussedherein above, biometrics may additionally be incorporated, and forexemplary purposes a fingerprint scan or the like may be required toverify identity prior to passing through proximity/badge detector.

Once a valid badge has been detected, a person will continue through asmany additional security checks as may be deemed appropriate, such as ametal detector and drug/explosive sniffer. Rather than requiring thetraditional operator for each station, a single guard will in accordancewith the present teachings often be adequate, so long as appropriateback-up is available on short notice. Because this energy managementsystem requires far fewer human monitors, it provides additional costsaving. A guard would be needed primarily to respond if an alarm werepresent without having to identify several situations. A guard might bestationed only near a metal detector, for example, without having tomonitor other stations. In addition, a more accurate inventory ofpersons, other assets, or substances in a building becomes possible. Animportant safety feature, however, is the greater reliability ofelectronics over personal vigilance.

The present invention also has the capacity to provide low powercommunications for energy management, emergency back-up, security andspecial applications utilizing alternative power sources such asbatteries or solar cells. Since each individual LED light source may beseparately controlled, unnecessary lights may be extinguished in anemergency. Remaining lights may be used to signal emergency routes whichmay be emergency exits, predetermined shelter such as in the event of atornado, safe locations potentially determined in real time in the eventof an intruder or other hazard. The remaining lights may also oralternatively be used to maintain nominal communications channels withinthe building. The signals in such instance may be unable to be carriedthrough power lines, and so may alternatively be implemented through arepeater function from one light to the next to travel entirely througha chain of LED light source.

In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, building lighting may be modulated with time and date stampsor the like. Video recordings made within the space of modulatedillumination will have an optical watermark automatically embeddedtherein. The embedding of such identifiable signals ensures theintegrity of video recordings made under these lights.

Building management in accord with another embodiment of the inventionfurther includes automated secured access control to apparatus such asdoors, drawers, electronic computer operations, cars, thermostats, andany other devices that may be electronically controlled. By means of LEDcommunication, the location of unauthorized devices as well as personscan be tracked or polled by the system. Doors, either locked orunlocked, can be manipulated in response to the location or movement ofthese devices or persons.

If audio and/or video is additionally enabled, either throughcommunications badges or separate wall-mounted devices, the video can beused to capture the last-known conditions of a user or an area. This canbe important in the event a disaster strikes that results in significantdestruction of property or life.

An intelligent audio/visual observation and identification databasesystem may also be coupled to a VLEC/XCVR system or sensors as disposedabout a building. The system may then build a database with respect totemperature sensors within specific locations, pressure sensors, motiondetectors, communications badges, phone number identifiers, soundtransducers, and/or smoke or fire detectors. Recorded data as receivedfrom various sensors may be used to build a database for normalparameters and environmental conditions for specific zones of astructure for individual periods of time and dates. A computer maycontinuously receive readings/data from remote sensors for comparison tothe pre-stored or learned data to identify discrepancies therebetween.In addition, filtering, flagging and threshold procedures may beimplemented to indicate a threshold discrepancy to signal an officer toinitiate an investigation. The reassignment of priorities and thestorage and recognition of the assigned priorities occurs at thecomputer to automatically recalibrate the assignment of points or flagsfor further comparison to a profile prior to the triggering of a signalrepresentative of a threshold discrepancy.

The intelligent audio/visual observation and identification databasesystem may also be coupled to various infrared or ultraviolet sensors,in addition to the optical sensors incorporated directly into LED lightsource, and used for security/surveillance within a structure to assistin the early identification of an unauthorized individual within asecurity zone or the presence of an intruder without knowledge of theintruder.

The intelligent audio/visual observation and identification databasesystem as coupled to sensors and/or building control systems for abuilding which may be based upon audio, temperature, motion, pressure,phone number identifiers, smoke detectors, fire detectors and firealarms is based upon automatic storage, retrieval and comparison ofobserved/measured data to prerecorded data, in further comparison to thethreshold profile parameters to automatically generate a signal to asurveillance, security, or law enforcement officer.

Security zones which may use intelligent video/audio observation andidentification database system may include, but are not necessarilylimited to, areas such as airports, embassies, hospitals, schools,government buildings, commercial buildings, power plants, chemicalplants, garages, and/or any other location for which the monitoring ofvehicle or individual traffic and/or security is desirable.

An intelligent observation and identification database system may bearranged to learn the expected times for arrival and departure ofindividuals 10 and vehicles from various zones. Each time an individualor vehicle enters or exits a security zone, the system may record in thedatabase the time and location of the arrival or exit. Thus, over time,the system may learn the expected arrival and departure times based uponthe average of predetermined times, such as normal shift times. Thus, ifa vehicle of an individual attempts to enter or exit a zone at a timeother than the learned expected time of entry or exit, the system mayalert security personnel to initiate an investigation.

If a low level tracking priority is assigned to the vehicle orindividual, tracking may be accomplished by recording the location andtime for each instance when the system identifies the vehicle orindividual. Thus, a low level tracking priority may normally generate alog of when and where a vehicle or individual was seen. Over time, thesystem may learn typical paths, times and zones where specific vehiclesand individuals spend their time. The system may then issue an alertwhen a vehicle or individual deviates from their normal path. Forexample, if a person normally may be found on the second floor, and theyoccasionally pass through first floor but have never gone to the fourthfloor, then the system may alert security personnel if the person isidentified by the system on the fourth floor.

Thus, the intelligent audio/visual observation and identificationdatabase system may be coupled to the operational systems for abuilding, such as locking systems for doors, lighting systems, airconditioning systems, and/or heating systems.

Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates guidance andcommunications systems. For exemplary purposes, consider the situationwhere a visitor wishes to meet with a regular building occupant. Thevisitor may be guided through any suitable color or intensity patternsuch as but not limited to flashing patterns, color changes or the likein LED light source or other LED fixtures to the location or person theyseek. Further, once within the same building space, the person beingsought out may further be made conspicuous by similar changes in coloror intensity pattern within the sought-person's communication badge, forexemplary purposes either within video display 1500 or opticaltransmitter 1300, as shown in FIG. 2B. Once again, such system controlusing the RGB LEDs of the present invention is simply a matter ofsoftware control.

In those embodiments where audio signaling or communications areenabled, and owing to the exact room position detection afforded by thepresent invention, location specific access intelligence may also beincorporated. As but one example, if a doctor is in a surgical room, thepager may remain silent. Once the doctor exits surgery, then the pagermay be reactivated. This control may be automatic, simply incorporatedinto the programming of the system. As another example, students may usethe preferred communication badge for communications similar to cellulartelephones, including text messaging, voice communications, web access,and so forth. However, upon entering a classroom, communications mightin one embodiment then be disabled, ensuring the students are notdistracted with unauthorized activities. In addition to the foregoing,audio and video communications are possible in accord with lightcommunications in locations and environments where cellular or radiocommunications may be impossible, forbidden, or unreliable, extendingexisting communications systems.

The name tag embodiment need not be restricted to use by people. Thename tag embodiment may be associated with cars, for example. In such anembodiment, a car 205 includes a tag (not shown) that broadcasts aunique code that may either turn street lights 154 on or increase thebrightness of dimly lit street lights, as shown in FIG. 6, similar tothe hallway or room lights described above. There are numerous otherembodiments. For example, such a device may be used to indicate that acar is authorized to enter a restricted area. Or, such a device may beused to pay tolls on highways or pay fees at a parking garage byuniquely identifying the vehicle and the account to be charged.Alternatively, such device may be used to open garage doors.

As stated above, the LEDs may be bi-directional. In at least oneembodiment, the optical XCVR is comprised of bi-directional LEDs. Insuch an embodiment, the optical XCVR is constructed and arranged suchthat at least one of the bi-directional LEDs allows paralleltransmitting and receiving of light signals.

Within the disclosure provided herein, the term “processor” refers to aprocessor, controller, microprocessor, microcontroller, mainframecomputer or server, or any other device that can execute instructions,perform arithmetic and logic functions, access and write to memory,interface with peripheral devices, etc.

In some embodiments, an optical signal amplifier is in communicationwith the photodiodes to increase the signal strength of the receivedlight signals. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs are in operativecommunication with an LED power driver, ensuring a constant currentsource for the LEDs.

In some embodiments, the XCVRs and XCVRs within a name tag may includecircuitry that performs modulation, demodulation, data compression, datadecompression, up converting, down converting, coding, interleaving,pulse shaping, and other communication and signal processing techniques,as are known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In one embodiment the optical XCVRs of a user's security badgecommunicate with the optical XCVRs in an LED light fixture. The opticalXCVRs may be placed in numerous locations as lighting sources. As shownin FIG. 3, a user is shown with a name tag that is broadcasting andreceiving data over an optical link using the XCVR described in FIG. 1to a ceiling mounted fixture. The XCVR as integral to a ceiling mountedor other type of light fixture may in turn be in direct communicationwith a computer, processor, microprocessor, mainframe computer orserver, and/or other computing device as earlier described through theuse of wire, cable, optically via pulsed light communication, over aBroad Band Power Line system or over any other type of communicationsystem.

In one embodiment the intelligent security and identification databasesystem will record the time, date, and place of entry of an individualhaving a security badge or name tag into, and out of, a secured zone. Inthis embodiment, the recorded information may be compared in real timeto previously recorded conduct or parameters for the individual securitybadge or name tag, to automatically identify discrepancies.Discrepancies which exceed a pre-programmed threshold may be brought tothe attention of security personnel.

In one embodiment the accumulation and storage of information of thetype identified above, will occur within continuously updated andevolving files, to create a database for future reference, to enablebuilding management, law enforcement, surveillance, and/or securityofficers to implement a desired building status or inquiry.

In one embodiment the intelligent audio/visual database systemcontinuously received information from fixtures or security badges inorder to continuously update an operating system. In some embodiments,optical XCVRs may be integral to a series of lighting sources, orceiling mounted light fixtures, within a building structure. Theindividual security badge or name tag would transmit through pulsedlight communication information as previously identified as related toan individual's identity, employment occupation, security clearance,and/or primary employment location. In this embodiment, the pulsed lightcommunication signal could be sequentially detected, received, andtracked by a plurality of XCVRs which are in continuous communicationwith the system processor.

In one embodiment a series of XCVRs are in communication with the systemprocessor, mainframe computer or server, through sequential transmissionand receipt of pulsed light communication signals.

In one embodiment the series of XCVRs are in communication with thesystem processor, mainframe computer or server, through the Broad BandOver Power Line Communication System as previously described herein.

In one embodiment the series of XCVRs are in communication with thesystem processor, mainframe computer or server through the use of cable,wire, or other communication media.

In one embodiment, an individual security badge or name tag may beassigned a number which is transmitted within the communication signalto the system processor, mainframe computer or server.

In one embodiment the system processor will continuously record andstore in real time the received pulsed light communication signals inone or more system databases, one or more subsystem databases, orindividuals specific databases, in order to establish normal routineparameters for designated locations or areas within a facility. Thesystem processor may be programmed to compare previously stored datarepresentative of normal routine parameters for a designated locationwithin a facility, to the real time observed data for the designatedlocation. The system processor preferably includes threshold softwarewhich may be used to identify any standard deviations from normalactivity occurring within the designated location.

In one embodiment the system processor, mainframe computer or server maycompare individual specific information with information concerning adesignated location, as well as information about employees and/orsupervisors in order to assist in a threshold analysis for indication ofa warning or investigation signal. For example, if an employee istracked as accompanying a supervisor into an area where clearance isrequired, and the supervisor is identified as having the appropriateclearance, and the supervisor is identified as having authority toescort an employee not having a designated level of clearance within aparticular zone, then a threshold for identification of requiredinvestigative action may not be met.

In one embodiment the system processor, mainframe computer or server mayidentify individual specific pulsed light communication signals receivedfrom a location outside of an established or normal routine, and outsideof a set level of deviation, for triggering of a investigation advisory.An investigation advisory would issue for a specific location andindividual within a zone or facility.

In one embodiment the communication system may also be used at a checkpoint. Information transmitted from a security badge at a checkpointcould also include motor vehicle information, make, model, and/orlicense plate information for the particular employee. At a facilitycheck point retrieved information could be displayed on a monitor. Thedatabase may also include a photo of the individual associated with thesecurity badge, where all available information could be reviewed by asecurity office prior to entry by into a security zone.

In one embodiment each evolving database and/or mainframe database maybe capable of being continuously updated to include data saved by theVLEC/XCVR system. Access software may be used to communicate withinternal databases or external or remote databases, and comparisonsoftware may be used to review data as related to the external and/orinternal databases.

In one embodiment, sensitivity software is also used to establishthresholds and to issue/trigger signals, which may be displayed on theoutput device or monitor, and category software may be used to dividedata within individual files. In addition, any other software as desiredby security and/or law enforcement personnel may be utilized.

In one embodiment, the computer may implement either standard orcustomized queries or searches for defined profiles related toindividuals or status of systems within the accumulated database for adesignated zone. Upon identification of individuals or the status ofsystems which satisfy the profile criteria, a communication signal willbe generated to advise appropriate personnel as to the status of thesystem or location of the individuals under consideration. The relativelocation of targeted individuals may be identified by proximity to oneor more XCVRs as integral to lighting structures. It is anticipated thateach XCVR will have a coded or digitized identification number whichcorresponds to a specific location within an overallcommunication/security plan for a facility. It is anticipated that eachtransmission of a communication pulsed light signal will include a coderepresentative of the originating XCVR. Optionally additionalintermediate XCVRs may add a communication pulsed light signal coderepresentative of the transmitting XCVR.

In one embodiment, control server may initiate an inquiry to locate theidentification code corresponding to a particular individual or XCVR. Inthis embodiment, the control server 22 would transmit a signal outwardlythrough the optically connected XCVRs to request identification of aparticular individual or XCVR identification code. In one embodiment theinquiry may be global, or may be limited to specific periods of time orother specific conditions such as location. In one embodiment eachindividual XCVR upon receipt of the command inquiry may forward bypulsed light signals the individual identification codes of allindividuals or XCVR's within a particular location. In some embodiments,individual identity codes are being continuously transmitted by eachindividual security badge. In one embodiment the individual securitybadge under investigation may beep or generate another signal to advisethe individual that he or she needs to contact a central switchboard fortransfer to another individual or for receipt of a message.

In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe database may becoupled to additional identification apparatus or systems including butnot limited to facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, palm printrecognition, voice print recognition, eye scan, and/or signaturerecognition devices/systems which may be coupled to the input devicesfor recording of data to be stored within the system for analysis anddisplay of a monitor.

In one embodiment the communication system including the XCVR may beincorporated into a hand held or portable unit. In other embodiments thecommunication system may be incorporated into a device such as acellular telephone.

In one embodiment the evolving database and/or mainframe database mayilluminate a pathway on sequential XCVRs representative of the shortestroute to a specific location to assist individuals. In one embodimentthe evolving database and/or mainframe database may includeprobabilistic analysis software which may be used to assist in theestablishment of threshold levels for issuing a warning or investigationsignal. In addition the evolving database and/or mainframe database mayinclude Principle Component Analysis (PCA) software and Eigenvector orEigenspace decomposition analysis software to assist in theestablishment of thresholds.

In one embodiment, the evolving database and/or mainframe database maylearn and recognize repetitive patterns within the accumulated database.Therefore, the computer may assess a low query priority to repetitiveand/or regular patterns, and implement a more expedited search relatedto non-regular pattern data as stored within the accumulated database.Any parameters may be selected for the recognition of patterns within azone dependent upon individual environmental conditions and customizedneeds at each independent zone. For example, six days of repetitiveactions may be required to establish a regular pattern of conduct withina first zone 50 where two months of repetitive conduct may be requiredto establish a regular pattern within a second zone.

In one embodiment, during pattern learning, the computer sensitivity maybe established by the initial creation of a file and/or data pertainingto an individual. Next, the input of a desired amount of datarepresentative of repeated actions may be required. The number or amountof data may represent repetitive occurrences. The occurrences may berequired to be within a certain classification, such as all within acertain zone, or all within a certain period of time during the day,such as between 3 and 4 o'clock p.m. The control computer may thencalculate a mean value based upon the recorded data. Alternatively, therecorded data may be divided into more than one segment and a mean maybe calculated for each desired segment. The control computer willgenerally continue to store data, and therefore update the pattern, asdetected by the XCVRs. The control computer is preferably designed torecalculate a mean for the data following each additional data entry.The control computer may include sensitivity trigger software which asearlier described will identify a desired threshold deviation from thecalculated mean, which may be more or less than one standard deviationfrom the calculated mean. Alternatively, the sensitivity trigger may beestablished at a certain percentage for deviation from the calculatedmean. The control computer continually compares the observed occurrenceinformation to the calculated mean data to determine if investigationsignals are required to be communicated to building management, buildingmaintenance, law enforcement and/or security officers. In this respect,the computer is engaged in updating activities becomes smarter and moreefficient in analyzing risk situations over time.

In one embodiment the communication system is preferably proactive andis continuously screening and comparing data being input from the XCVRsfor comparison to the previously stored records within the accumulateddatabase.

Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates GlobalPositioning System (GPS) information into the data packet to be sent.The Global Positioning System is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,463,the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference. GPS positioning uses one or more coordinate systems, such asWorld Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84), to provide a reference frame,allowing every point on earth to be coded with a unique GPS location.

A data packet may include GPS location header bits that include thepacket's destination address in GPS coordinates. The data packet mayfurther include GPS location trailer bits that include the packet'sorigin address in GPS coordinates. The data packet may further includethe address in GPS coordinates of the optical XCVR that most recentlytransmitted the packet (the last known transmission address, or LTA).The data packet further includes the data to be transmitted, and mayinclude any other bits of information determined to be necessary forsuccessful transmission of data, such as error detection bits.

Routing data packets from one location to another location can beaccomplished using GPS location information tags which tag data packetshaving a geographic location instead of a cyber-location. Such anembodiment eliminates the need for any later geographic locationtranslation because a data packet starts with geographic source anddestination information. This simplifies locating the destination of thedata packet.

In some embodiments, each data packet is assigned a GPSorigin/destination address as it passes through the networkinfrastructure. The data packet is always searching for the next closestGPS address location. Each stationary (or static) optical XCVR, and somedynamic optical XCVRs, within a network will be designated with a GPSlocation number. As a data packet passes through the network, it isrouted by the optical XCVRs, with their internal processors, to the nextphysically closer optical XCVR within the network. If another opticalXCVR is within receiving range, or is connected with another form ofcommunication medium, that optical XCVR receives the data packet. Theoptical XCVR's internal processor compares its internal GPS locationaddress (ILA) to the data packet's GPS destination address and theoptical XCVR's last known transmission address (LTA) stored within thedata packet. If the ILA code is closer to the data packet destinationaddress than the LTA code stored within the data packet, the opticalXCVR's processor inserts its ILA code into the data packet as the newLTA code and then repeats transmission of the entire data packet withthe updated LTA code. An exemplary data packet 210 including GPS addressinformation is shown in FIG. 12.

The network continues this process until the data packet reaches thedestination optical XCVR, at which point the data packet is transmitted.If a piece of the infrastructure is missing, the packet will be reroutedto the next nearest optical XCVR and continue until it finds theshortest pathway through the network to the destination address.

This means that each user on the network may declare one or more staticpositions and also have a dynamic position. A static address may be ahome, an office, etc. When a user leaves their static address locationto move through the network infrastructure, the user then becomesdynamic. The network may track the user as the user passes opticalXCVRs, similar to that of cell phones in relation to cell phone towers,and provide a dynamic address location. If a data packet begins with adestination address that is the user's static address, the network mayupdate the packet with the user's new dynamic address and reroute thepacket accordingly, in a scheme similar to that of cellular phones. Inat least one embodiment, the pulsed LED light signal may be used togenerate optical pulses to be received by a first receiver to transmit asecurity code for access to a gated community, garage, and/or secureparking lot. In these instances, the second LED illumination sourcesgenerate a pulsed LED light signal for receipt by the first receiverwhich in turn is coupled to a first controller and a switch to open anotherwise locked gate.

In some alternative embodiments, all of the features and functions asearlier described may occur through the use of an LED XCVR light fixturegenerally identified by reference numeral 250.

In some alternative embodiments as may be seen in FIG. 13, the front ofthe LED XCVR light fixture 250 is shown which is substantially square.The LED XCVR light fixture 250 in some embodiments may be rectangular orthe LED light units 252 may be disposed in rows as shown in FIG. 15 toreplace one or more tubular fluorescent light bulbs. In someembodiments, the front of the LED XCVR light fixture 250 may includephotodiodes 254, cameras 256, and/or microphones 258.

In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 14, the rear panel 262 ofan LED XCVR light fixture 250 is shown.

In at least one embodiment, the rear panel 262 includes a LEDtransceiver unit 266 (Charlie unit), a power unit 260, and a Broad Bandover Power Line (BPL) decoder 282. Power enters power unit 260 throughcable 264. The power includes the Orthogonal Frequency-DivisionMultiplexing (OFDM) signals as carried over the power line. In someembodiments, the OFDM signals are pulled off the power line by the BPLdecoder 282 converting the OFDM signals to data signals which are thentransferred by cable 284 (which may be at Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable) to thetransceiver unit 266 which includes circuit boards forming controller toregulate LED pulsed light illumination, communication and/orinformation/data transfer from LED light units 252 disposed on the frontof LED XCVR light fixture 250. The transceiver unit 226 function is incommunication with the photodiodes 254 on the front of the LED XCVRlight fixture 252 for transfer or communication upstream as digitalsignals through cable 284 to the BPL Decoder 282 which in turn mayconvert the data signals to OFDM signals over a power line to adifferent designated XCVR transceiver unit 266 as integral to anotherLED XCVR light fixture 252 or other computing device which may be aserver.

In one alternative embodiment as may be seen in FIG. 15 an alternativeconfiguration of an LED XCVR light fixture 250 is disclosed having tohorizontal strips of LED light units 252 where each strip of LED lightunits 252 may include between 8 and 24 or more individual LED's. Inalternative embodiments, each strip LED light unit 252 may include alarger or smaller number of LED's as desired for a particularapplication or size of light fixture.

In at least one alternative embodiment as depicted in FIG. 16, a sideview of one alternative embodiment of an LED XCVR light fixture 250 isshown. As shown in FIG. 16, the LED XCVR light fixture 250 is relativelythin for replacement of a traditional ceiling light fixture.

In at least one alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 17 an LED XCVRlight fixture 250 includes a rear panel 262. Within the interior of therear panel 262 may be disposed a printed circuit board 280. In someembodiments the printed circuit board 280 engages the LED light sources278 to form a strip LED light unit 252. In some embodiments the stripsof LED light units 252 are electrically connected to a powerdistribution interconnect 268 which in turn is positioned proximate to,and is in electrical communication with, a power cable 270. In someembodiments the power distribution interconnect 268 includes anelectrical connector 272. In some embodiments the LED XCVR light fixture250 also includes electrical support frame member 274 as well as aprismatic light diffuser 276 which is used to diffuse light generatedfrom the LED light units 252.

In one alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 18 a strip LED light unit252 is shown in detail. Each strip LED light unit 252 preferablyincludes a plurality of regularly spaced and aligned LEDs's 278, whichmay be individually engaged to, and in electrical communication with aprinted circuit board 280.

In one alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 19 the power distributioninterconnect 268 is shown in detail. The power distribution interconnect268 includes electrical connector 272 which receives power from powercable 270 and provides power to printed circuit board 280 or strip LEDlight units 252 through electrical connectors 282.

From a manufacturing perspective, designing LED XCVR light fixtures 250having increased quantities of LEDs per fixture, results in greaterenergy efficiencies and longer fixture life. In some embodiments,greater quantities of light or illumination may be produced with lesselectricity when multiple LEDs are used to create the light orillumination because each LED operates more efficiently. LEDs whichoperating more efficiently, operate at cooler temperatures, and coolertemperatures results in longer LED and fixture life.

The transmission of pulsed light communication and data signals aswireless light signals does not cause interference like radio wavesignals such as Wi-Fi. As such, pulsed light communication and datasignals are wireless communication which provide higher data transferspeeds and greater security, as opposed to Wi-Fi technologies, butpulsed light communication and data services may safely be used inplaces where Wi-Fi transmissions are potentially harmful or limited,such as in hospitals or on airplanes.

In some embodiments, one or more LED XCVR light fixtures 250 may beconnected to a computer network with CatS or fiber optic cables, orthrough existing electrical wiring (similar to Broadband over PowerLine, BPL). By utilizing existing electrical wiring, expansion of costlycommunication infrastructure throughout a customer's facility may beavoided.

The use of LED pulsed light communications and data transfer through LEDXCVR light fixtures 250 enhances the capacity and security of wirelessInternet, mobile broadband applications, Voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP), and many other data communication services. For example, theexpansion of the LED pulsed light communication and data transfer systemnetwork will allow data traffic on mobile networks to be offloaded ontofixed pulsed light communication and data transfer networks, therebyrelieving pressure from increasing mobile data application demands. Inaddition, LED lights are highly energy efficient, consuming a fractionof the energy that conventional fluorescent lights consume. In someembodiments, the use of LED lighting systems may be expected to provide50-70% reductions in energy consumption. In addition to greater energyefficiencies, LED XCVR light fixtures 250 having a larger number of LEDsoperate at cooler temperatures. Cooler temperatures results in longerfixture life.

In some alternative embodiments, a client customer may lease a Key ordongle device to access the LED pulsed light communication and datatransmission system network through a client's computer. Keys or dongledevices are electronic devices designed to interface with a computingdevice and allow the computing device to access the Internet or othernetworks through the LED XCVR light fixtures 250. In some embodiments, aKey or dongle device may interface with a computer through a USB port.

In some embodiments, the LED XCVR light fixtures 250 will be sized andconfigured to replace Medium Screw Base, General Service Lamps (MSB-GSL)(standard Edison base light bulb) which in turn may be used in aresidential location.

In at least one embodiment, the LED XCVR light fixture 250 is connectedto an electronic module (Charlie unit) which controls the communicationaspects of the LED XCVR light fixture 250. In some embodiments, eachElectric Module will be FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) enabled tofacilitate ease of software upgrades.

In at least one embodiment, a LED XCVR light fixture 250 includes thefeatures of Remote Access Management; Analog communication scheme (i.e.OFDM signaling); Integrated carrier signal technology; GlobalPositioning System routing Service (GPSrS) capabilities; and RemoteAccess Management for integration with utility companies.

In one alternative embodiment, a LED XCVR light fixture 250 includes a2′×2′ circuit board with 27 LEDs. The LED XCVR light fixture 250 mayalso include a processor and communicating receiver circuitry which maybe designed as a modular component. In some embodiments, the LED XCVRlight fixture 250 may be powered by 110 volt outlet and connected toLocal Area Network with standard Ethernet cabling.

In at least one alternative embodiment, a LED XCVR light fixture 250includes a 36 LED panel. In this embodiment, the LED XCVR light fixture250 is designed to function with a detachable processor andcommunication receiver module and is powered by 110 volt outlet. Inaddition, the LED XCVR light fixture 250 may include a diffuser tosofter and provide a more pleasant lighting feel.

In at least one embodiment, a LED XCVR light fixture 250 may be incommunication with BPL adapters (Netgear Powerline AV 200) to establishnetwork connectivity between the LED XCVR light fixture 250 and at leastone local area network.

In at least one embodiment, an LED XCVR light fixture 250 includes awide-angle receiver. In at least one alternative embodiment, an LED XCVRlight fixture includes a 1-⅝″ narrow-angled receiver.

In at least one embodiment, the LED XCVR light fixture 250 is sized toreplace a standard T8 fluorescent lamp. The lumen output of two 20 inchT8-3 mb LED Lamps as depicted in FIG. 15 is the same as the lumen outputof one standard 32 watt T8 fluorescent lamp. One T8-3 Mb LED Lamps mayconsume 12 watts, have an efficiency of 104 lumens per watt, and may beBPL enabled, thereby enabling data to be sent through existingelectrical wiring.

In some embodiments, the LED XCVR light fixture 250 points the controlof the color temperature output of illumination from a cool white to awarm yellow. The control of the color temperature may occur through theuse of a Charlie unit or control server.

In some embodiments, each LED XCVR light fixture 250 will include GlobalPositioning System routing Service (GPSrS) addresses and Remote AccessManagement for integration with utility companies as described or asincorporated by reference herein.

In at least one embodiment, each LED XCVR light fixture 250 will includeRemote Access Management (RAM) software which will allow accuratemonitoring and control of individual LED Lights within the LED XCVRlight fixture 250 from a centralized computing location. The RAMsoftware may be programmed to turn LED's within the LED XCVR lightfixture 250 on/off during specific times of the day, increase/decreasein brightness or compensate for daylight hours. With these features, abuilding owner employing use of LED XCVR light fixtures 250 may moreaccurately monitor and manage energy lighting consumption in a building.

In at least one embodiment, 22″×36″ LED XCVR light fixtures 250 may beused in a structure. The LED XCVR light fixtures 250 may be connected toa power unit. In some embodiments, each power unit may support up to 16LED XCVR light fixtures 250 at a time. In some embodiments, a power unitmay inject power into the LED XCVR light fixture 250 and the dataleaving the power unit may travel back through wires, to a power unitcontroller.

In some embodiments, a power unit may be housed in a rectangular boxhaving a plurality of RJ-45 plug in slots. In some embodiments, a powerunit consists of a power supply, an injector board which includes the 16ports for POE connections to the LED lights or light fixtures and also aswitch, which is integrated into the power unit.

In some embodiments, a monitoring or a metering board may be locatedbelow the switch that meters the amount of electricity used by the LEDXCVR light fixture 250. In some embodiments, multiple power units may beuse in a building, however each building, or each facility may have apower unit controller. In at least one embodiment, one function of thepower unit controller is to aggregate all the connections from the LEDXCVR light fixtures or LED lights back through the power units to anInternet connection.

In some embodiments, the power unit controller may be a control computerhaving a Web server. In some embodiments, the control computer may havea custom website. The website preferable includes webpages that allowthe control of the LED lights or LED XCVR light fixtures 250 or otherfunctions with a facility, and to monitor the amount of energy the LEDXCVR light fixtures 250, or other features are using. The website mayalso provide security authorization for logon and control access toLED's or other LED XCVR light fixtures 250. The website may issuecommands to the to the power units to change the intensity of the LED'sin the LED XCVR light fixtures 250.

In some embodiments, each of the LED XCVR light fixtures 250 include aunit controller and photodetector which allows pulsed lightcommunications with a client device. The client device, which may be aUSB interface device, may be attached to laptops or computers. Inaddition, drivers for the interface devices may be installed onelectronic devices such as a tablets, smart phones, computers or otherelectronic devices with or without the use of an application, or laptopor through an Ethernet connection.

In some embodiments, the power supply provides 600 watts of electricityto the LED XCVR light fixture 250.

In some embodiments, an LED XCVR light fixture 250 may be connected to apower unit through an Ethernet connection. In some embodiments, Pro FTMsignals, which may be identified as data, may be communicated over thesame lines that are used to provide power, prior to transmission throughthe pulsed light signals.

In some embodiments, three modules may be provided which are used indecoding of information and/or communication signals transmitted bypulsed lights. Decoding may be occurring and overriding the power lineradio wave signals, or the OFTM signals, where the decoding iscommunicated back into an Ethernet standard computer format, which thenis communicated through LED pulsed light communication signals.

In some embodiments, a control computer located at a remote location mayrecord data generated in association with the regulation and use of oneor more LED XCVR light fixtures 250. The control computer may processany number of different information or communication transmissions. Anydata may be retrieved for generation through the website interface fortransmission over a power line or through pulsed LED light communicationsignals via the LED/s or the USB device. LED pulsed light communicationsignals may also be transmitted out of the USB device for receipt by theLED XCVR light fixture 250 for transmission to the control computer andwebsite. It should be noted that a control computer or server maysimultaneously receive and process data from any number of websitesrepresentative of any number of facilities or geographic areas eachhaving any desired number of fixture controllers and/or LED lights orLED XCVR light fixtures 250.

In some embodiments, each LED light fixture may include a digitalpotentiometer and photo diodes for receiving a light signal, and theintelligence to convert that light signal to a wired data signal. In theother direction, a controller in association with an LED XCVR lightfixture converts wired data signals into the light pulses emitted by theLEDs in the LED XCVR light fixture 250.

In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22 LED lightfixture 250 will include the components of a visible light transceiveror Charlie unit generally referred to by reference numeral 24. Thevisible light transceiver 24 includes an outer casing 12 and a lowercasing 26. Inside the outer casing 12 and lower casing 26 is preferablydisposed the main circuit board 28 (FIG. 13). An LED 30 is preferably inelectrical communication with one or more circuit boards 28. In someembodiments, an inner lens retainer assembly 32 is disposed on circuitboard 28 over LED 30. The inner lens retainer assembly 32 preferablytraverses opening 34 through outer casing 12. The inner lens retainerassembly 32 in some embodiments includes a semi-spherical or parabolicsurface 36 (FIG. 24) which is constructed and arranged to receive aspherical object or fall lens 38. In some embodiments, the lens 38 isnot required to be spherical in shape.

In some embodiments, a portion of the exterior surface of the inner lensretainer assembly 32 is threaded and is constructed and arranged toreceive the threads of an outer lens retainer assembly 42 (FIG. 23).

In some embodiments as depicted in further detail in FIG. 24 thesemi-spherical or parabolic surface 36, which is constructed andarranged to hold a spherical object or ball lens 38, is polished. Theinner lens retainer assembly 32 preferably includes a light passageopening 44 which is disposed above and LED 30 to permit light to enterspherical object or ball lens 38. It should be noted that in someembodiments that spherical object or ball lens 38 may be semi-sphericalor flat.

In some embodiments as depicted in FIG. 23 the outer lens retainerassembly 42 includes surfaces 46, 48, 52, and 54. In some embodiments,surface 46 is disposed at least partially over spherical object 38 toreleasably and securely position spherical object 38 in thesemi-spherical or parabolic surface 36. In some embodiments one or moresurfaces 46, 52, and 54 may be polished to enhance performance oftransmission of light including communication and/or information/datatransmissions.

In some embodiments, surface 48 is the exterior surface of the outerlens retainer assembly 42 and may be used to rotate and secure the outerlens retainer assembly 42 over the inner lens retainer assembly 36.

Enclosed herewith and incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties are the following U.S. Pat. Nos. and patent applicationnumbers: 6,879,263; 7,046,160; 7,439,847; 7,902,978; 8,188,861;8,188,878; 8,188,879; 8,330,599; 8,331,790; 8,543,505; 8,571,411;8,593,299; Ser. No. 11/433,979; 12/032,908; 12/126,227; 12/126,342;12/126,469; 12/126,647; 12/750,796; 13/427,358; 13/479556; 13/706,864;13/972294; 14/033,014; 14/050,759; 14/050,765; 61/778,672; 61/783,501;61/819,861; 61/867,731; 61/927,638; and 61/927,663.

This application is also related to the patent application entitled“Method of Measuring and Provision of Lumens,” U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/207934 filed Mar. 13, 2104, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. The present application is alsorelated to the patent application entitled “Pulsed Light CommunicationKey,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/208090 filed Mar. 13, 2104,which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Also thepresent application is related to the patent application entitled “LEDLight Control and Management System,” U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/208125 filed Mar. 13, 2104, which is incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety.

In addition to being directed to the embodiments described above andclaimed below, the present invention is further directed to embodimentshaving different combinations of the features described above andclaimed below. As such, the invention is also directed to otherembodiments having any other possible combination of the dependentfeatures claimed below.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; and it is,therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims canbe combined with each other in other manners within the scope of theinvention such that the invention should be recognized as alsospecifically directed to other embodiments having any other possiblecombination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, forpurposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows shouldbe taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from allprior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependentclaim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within thejurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should bealternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). Injurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, thefollowing dependent claims should each be also taken as alternativelywritten in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependencyfrom a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claimlisted in such dependent claim below.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individualfigures and described above may be combined or modified for combinationas desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising”means “including, but not limited to”.

I claim:
 1. An LED light fixture comprising: at least one opticaltransceiver, said at least one optical transceiver comprising at leastone location identifier, said at least one optical transceiver furthercomprising: a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least onephotodetector being in electrical communication with said plurality oflight emitting diodes, said plurality of light emitting diodesgenerating light having an initial wavelength in the visible spectrum,said light comprising a plurality of flashes of light, said flashes oflight being at a frequency which is not observable to the unaided eyesof an individual; and a processor, said processor being in communicationwith said plurality of light emitting diodes, said processor beingconstructed and arranged to regulate said plurality of flashes of lightto transmit at least one transmitted signal, said at least onetransmitted signal comprising said at least one location identifier andsaid at least one transmitted signal being embedded within said light,wherein said processor changes said initial wavelength in the visiblespectrum to another wavelength in the visible spectrum and furtherwherein said at least one photodetector is constructed and arranged forreceipt of at least one received light signal.
 2. The LED light fixtureof claim 1, wherein said processor communicates with a second opticaltransceiver having a second photodetector, said second photodetectorbeing constructed and arranged for receipt of said at least onetransmitted signal.
 3. The LED light fixture of claim 2, wherein said atleast one photodetector receives said at least one received lightsignal, and further wherein said at least one transmitted signal or saidat least one received light signal comprises at least one of timeinformation, date information, and an identification code.
 4. The LEDlight fixture of claim 3, wherein said at least one transmitted signalor said at least one received light signal provides access to one of thegroup consisting of a door, drawer, computer, and thermostat.
 5. The LEDlight fixture of claim 1, said LED light fixture further comprising atleast one of a camera, a microphone, and a speaker being incommunication with said at least one optical transceiver.
 6. The LEDlight fixture of claim 5, further comprising a lens assembly, said lensassembly comprising a lens and a retaining surface, said retainingsurface being semi-spherical in shape.
 7. The LED light fixture of claim6, wherein said lens is semi-spherical or spherical in shape.
 8. The LEDlight fixture of claim 7, said at least one optical transceiver furthercomprising an outer lens retainer assembly disposed over said lensassembly and said lens.
 9. The LED light fixture of claim 8, whereinsaid lens assembly traverses said upper casing.
 10. The LED lightfixture of claim 9, wherein said outer lens retainer assembly isconstructed to releasably engage said lens assembly and said uppercasing.
 11. The LED light fixture of claim 3, said at least one opticaltransceiver further comprising non-volatile memory.
 12. The LED lightfixture of claim 11, said non-volatile memory comprising globalpositioning and routing system software constructed and arranged forre-transmission of said at least one transmitted signal or said at leastone received light signal.
 13. The LED light fixture of claim 11,further comprising an amplifier in communication with said processor,said amplifier improving said at least one transmitted signal or said atleast one received light signal.
 14. The LED light fixture of claim 11,said non-volatile memory comprising at least one of facial recognitionsoftware, fingerprint recognition software, palm print recognitionsoftware, voice print recognition software, retinal scan software andsignature recognition software.
 15. The LED light fixture of claim 11,wherein said at least one transmitted signal comprises a transmit codeand wherein said at least one transmitted signal is communicated to acentral station said central station comparing said transmit code to atable of approved codes, and said central station permitting or denyingcommunication access to said central station.
 16. The LED light fixtureof claim 11, wherein said processor is constructed and arranged toregulate a peak inrush current demand from an electronic device.
 17. TheLED light fixture of claim 11, wherein said processor is constructed andarranged to regulate said plurality of light emitting diodes to emitsaid light during specific times during a day, and to increase ordecrease a brightness for said light compensating for ambient daylight.18. The LED light fixture of claim 11, further comprising a plurality ofpower units, each of said plurality of power units being incommunication with no more than sixteen of said optical transceivers.